Liquidating the property is by far your best bet. 

Ayer, Billerica, Hudson, Maynard - those are going to be your best bet for cash flow in Middlesex County.

The settl4ement was private, but I bet it was at least $400k knowing the attorney's involved, maybe more. 

All the markets you mentioned are solid choices for affordability and long-term growth potential.If you’re looking to narrow it down, consider Indianapolis or Columbia, SC, as both have strong rental demand, landlord-friendly laws, and stable economies.

The departing tenant says she will continue paying rent, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Best bet is likely (not absolute - everyone's situation is different) is to look at a national lender or broker that has options in lots of states - its a great development versus 20 odd years ago, with technology, internet, places like this - can have access to many more options than before (local broker or lender thats it)

Asana and Monday are indeed popular choices, but one tool that's come through for me has been this performance tracking tool.

If your goal is to offset your mortgage with a house hack then Lowell would be a good bet, but if you're looking for a longer term appreciation play then the areas closer to the city would be better, although the offset from cashflow may be lower than what you're looking for.A good step for you would be to dig into specific areas more as @Lien Vuong noted above.

Your best bet are still the Townships - they have the best schools in the county with the least restrictions. 

Ive seen what you do and I bet you guys are just over thinking this.